Whether you have a sewer or septic system, it’s important to know what not to send down your drains. Flushing items that aren’t biodegradable can damage your septic system — and some items are far more harmful than others. Here are seven things you should never put in your septic tank, and what to do instead.
1. Drain Cleaners & Other Chemicals
Household drain cleaners might seem like a quick fix, but they often cause more harm than good. Antibacterial cleaners work against the good bacteria your septic tank relies on to break down waste and keep your system running smoothly. If you have a slow or clogged drain, it’s better to call for professional drain cleaning than to reach for a chemical solution.
Beyond liquid drain cleaners, avoid flushing or pouring any of the following down your drains:
- Household cleaners
- Gasoline
- Insect or weed killers
- Paint or solvents
Harsh chemicals don’t just harm your septic system — they can also contaminate your soil and local water supply. Dispose of them safely and use eco-friendly products whenever possible.
2. Flushable Wipes
Despite what the label says, “flushable” wipes are not truly biodegradable. They don’t break down the way toilet paper does and will accumulate in your system over time, causing serious clogs and backups.
The same rule applies to other cotton-based products, including:
- Tampons and sanitary napkins
- Cotton balls and swabs
- Diapers
- Paper towels
None of these belong in your drains — always dispose of them in the trash.
3. Grease, Fat & Oil
Grease and oil don’t break down like water and organic waste. When poured down the drain, they cool and solidify inside your pipes and septic tank, creating stubborn clogs that can be difficult and expensive to clear. In severe cases, a buildup of grease can lead to a full sewer line blockage or sewage backup.
Instead, pour used grease and oils into a sealable container, let it solidify, and throw it in the garbage. Wiping pans clean with a paper towel before washing them is another easy habit that protects your drains.
4. Cat Litter
Even litter labeled as “biodegradable” or “flushable” should never go down your drain. Most cat litter expands significantly when wet, which can cause an immediate and severe blockage in your pipes. It’s simply not worth the risk — always dispose of cat litter in the trash.
5. Medications
Pills, capsules, and liquid medications shouldn’t be flushed down your drains. Beyond the risk of clogging your pipes, many medications contain chemicals that can corrode your system over time and contaminate groundwater. Check with your local pharmacy or municipality for a proper medication disposal program in your area.
6. Food Waste
If your home uses a septic system, even a garbage disposal can put extra strain on your tank. Food waste that reaches your septic system can disrupt the bacterial balance needed to process waste effectively. The following items are especially problematic:
- Coffee grounds
- Starchy foods like rice, pasta, and potatoes
- Fibrous foods like broccoli, celery, and corn husks
- Eggshells
Keep food waste out of your drains entirely — use your trash or a compost bin instead.
7. Trash
Anything that belongs in a garbage can should never go down your drain. This includes items people commonly flush without thinking twice, such as:
- Cigarette butts
- Dental floss
- Contact lenses
- Bandages and wrappers
When in doubt, throw it out. Your septic system — and your wallet — will thank you.
Signs Your Septic System Needs Professional Attention
Mistakes happen, and it’s not always possible to prevent the wrong materials from entering your system. If you notice any of the following warning signs, it’s time to call a plumber rather than waiting for the problem to get worse:
- Multiple slow or clogged drains throughout the home
- Gurgling sounds coming from your drains or toilets
- Sewage odors inside or outside your home
- Wet or unusually green patches in your yard near the drain field
- Sewage backing up into sinks, tubs, or toilets
These symptoms often point to a clog or failure somewhere in your sewer or septic system that needs professional diagnosis. Attempting to fix a septic issue yourself can make the problem significantly worse.
Septic System Repair & Maintenance in Northern New Jersey
At Russo Bros. & Co., our licensed plumbers have the experience and equipment to handle everything from routine drain cleaning and sewer cleaning to emergency septic system repairs. We use camera inspections to pinpoint blockages accurately and hydro jetting to clear them completely — without the guesswork.
Request hydro jetting or septic system repair or maintenance by contacting our team at (973) 887-1334 today!
